Genes are segments of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) that serve as the basic units of heredity in living organisms. They contain the instructions needed to build and maintain an organism, determining its traits and characteristics. Genes are passed down from parents to offspring during reproduction, ensuring the continuity of traits across generations.
Genetic Variation: Within a population, individuals may possess different versions of genes (alleles) that result in variations in traits. This genetic diversity arises from mutations, genetic recombination, and other mechanisms.
Natural Selection: Environmental pressures favor certain traits over others, influencing an organism's ability to survive and reproduce. Individuals with advantageous traits, encoded by specific genes, are more likely to survive and pass on their genes to the next generation. Over time, these advantageous traits become more prevalent in the population.
Genetic Drift and Gene Flow: Other mechanisms such as genetic drift (random changes in gene frequencies due to chance events) and gene flow (the exchange of genes between populations) also contribute to evolutionary change by altering the genetic makeup of populations.
Mutation: Mutations, which are changes in the DNA sequence, introduce new genetic variation into populations. Some mutations may result in beneficial traits that increase an organism's fitness, leading to their spread through natural selection.
